"When are you planning to visit us, Beta?" Uncle Hassan, Iman's father, asked.
"Haan," my father agreed, nodding. "It's been a while since you visited, right?"
"Soon, Uncle," I replied with a smile. Uncle Hassan has always been generous and kind to me. He has only one child, Iman, and I adore her very much. She has always had my back and understood me, even when mine couldn't-or was too busy with studies. I don't blame my sister; I just can't open up to her. Besides, she spends most of her time preparing for competitive exams.
"Actually, Sultan," Uncle Hassan turned to my father, his tone shifting slightly, "I'm here for Ahad."
My brows knitted together in confusion.
"I want Ahad to come with me and spend some time with us," he said with a casual shrug. "It's been a while since his last visit to the function. Honestly speaking, Nazia misses him a lot. She strictly sent me here for him." He then turned to me and asked, "What do you say, Ahad?"
"I..."
Hell, I wasn't prepared-especially to face Iman after giving her dark chocolates! I'm not the shy type, and there's nothing unusual about periods, but somehow it felt awkward. Giving her dark chocolates was like indirectly saying, 'Hey, I know you're on your period.' Heck. Ya Khuda, kya karu? (What should I do?)
"Ahad?"
My father shook me lightly, snapping me back to reality. "Uncle Hassan is asking you something, beta," his tone softened.
"Ji, Uncle, I... actually I... wo-"
"What... mei... mei bakri ho??"
My mom joked, cutting me off, then added with a grin, "Ahad, go and pack your clothes. Uncle is here especially for you. Jao, jaldi! (Go, fast!) What's there to decide?"
She stared right into my soul.
HECK!
"Actually...Mama, no..." I tried to defend myself and
escape, but failed when Uncle Hassan interrupted me. "Arrey, Ahad beta, just go. We're getting late, move fast, be quick. Shabash!" he said, leaving me with no choice.
I took a few seconds to nod, then abruptly stood up and went to my room to pack my clothes, books, and other necessary things. Honestly, I would've taken Captain America's shield too if I'd provoked Iman over nothing. But I don't think she'd kill a gentleman like me (I started smirking to myself)-someone who tried to normalize periods and even helped her with her cramps.
[Scene Break]
"Iska matlab, aap humare liye nahi, Ahad ke liye aaye the, hai na?"
My mom demanded as I walked out of my room, fully prepared.
I think they were still stuck on the same topic.
"Nahi, nahi bhabhi,it's not like that," Uncle Hassan quickly replied.
"Haan!" My father nodded, his index finger resting on his lips, eyes fixed on the floor. He seemed lost in thought.
"Hai na?" Uncle Hassan faced Papa with hopefull eyes, who remained in his state of stillness.
"Dekhiye bhabhi, aapke shohar nai bei kaha," Uncle Hassan smiled and turned to Mama.
"Haan, it's exactly like what Raziya said. You didn't come to see us, but to take Ahad with you," Papa snapped back.
Mom chuckled. Uncle Hassan lost his smile, his eyes throwing ice-flakes towards my father, who, instead of saving his friend, had taken his wife's side.
"Of course, you'll take your wife's side. After all, you married her after facing a lot of trouble. You're saying this because of Raziya, isn't it?" Uncle Hassan demanded.
"Don't try to change the topic, and accept it," Mama said.
"Arry bhabhi, meine socha Ahad ko laitai laitai aapse logon se bhi mulaqat hogi. Aur aapko to pata hai, ajkal kasm se, fursat kaha milti hai. Aap bhi to nahi aate hai waha," Uncle Hassan cried. (it's just that I will meet with you guys also besides taking ahad with me.you know it,now a days work load has increased. Nobody is free. You guys also didn't gave us a visit)
"Ji nahi", Hassan sahab," Papa recovered with energy suddenly. "Meri biwi to parso hi waha thi, tumko kya maloom hoga, tum kam se kahin gayi hovai thi?"(My wife has visited Mr Hassan, you must not be knowing this as you were at work somewhere.)
Uncle Hassan nodded slowly, agreeing to something in his head.
"Frankly, I had came here directly after a few days of work abroad and called Nazia before entering your house that I will be late. She had already informed me to take Ahad with me.It was then she again informed me strictly to take Ahad with me."
Uncle Hassan stood up when he saw me climbing down stairs.
"I guess we should leave now" I said "If you guys have completely interrogated Uncle Hassan."
Everyone laughed.
I hope you enjoyed reading this.